The key facts

  • On October 31, 2026, construction of the nuclear island began at the fifth power unit of the Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant, marking the start of the project's third phase
  • The project envisions six power units of one million kilowatts each, using third-generation reactors with passive safety systems
  • In total, China has 120 nuclear power units operating, under construction, or approved, with a combined capacity of 135 million kW

Start of the third phase

Construction of the nuclear island of the fifth power unit — the part of the plant housing the reactor and main nuclear equipment — has begun at the Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant in the city of Haiyang, Shandong province, in eastern China. According to Kun.uz, citing the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), the first concrete was poured at this site on October 31, marking the start of the third phase of the complex's construction.

Project parameters

The Haiyang project calls for the construction of six power units of one million kilowatts each, in three phases. The new, third phase covers the fifth and sixth units, which will use advanced third-generation pressurized water reactors with passive safety systems. The distinguishing feature of such systems is that part of the protective functions relies on natural physical processes, reducing dependence on external power supply and active mechanical devices in emergencies. Haiyang is described as one of the world's first nuclear power projects implemented on the basis of third-generation technology.

Significance and scale

The third phase is the first nuclear power project whose construction began in Shandong during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period for 2026–2030. With the start of work, the complex enters a stage in which several power units are operating simultaneously while the remaining ones are still being completed. Liu Fei, the Haiyang project director at SPIC's Shandong Nuclear Power, said that once all six units are commissioned, the complex will be the largest in the world among pressurized water reactor facilities with a fully passive safety system. Expected annual output is 60.9 billion kWh, which, according to the company, corresponds to the household electricity needs of 54 million people.

The country's nuclear program as a whole

The expansion of Haiyang is part of a nationwide course: according to the figures cited in the publication, China has 120 nuclear power units — operating, under construction, or with approved construction — with a total capacity of 135 million kilowatts. Taking into account commissioned and planned facilities, China ranks first in the world on this indicator.